Human exposure to volatile organic compounds in indoor air ‐ a health risk?

Volatile organic compounds (VOC) are emitted by many sources. They consist of a broad variety of chemicals differing in their toxicity by more than four orders of magnitude. Indoor concentrations of VOC, especially in new and recently renovated buildings, are markedly higher than in ambient air. Health complaints are often claimed to be due to the indoor air quality and VOC. The evaluation based on published toxicological data leads to the conclusion that any toxic organ effects are unlikely. However, slight irritations of mucous membranes in nose and eyes are to be expected in a significant proportion of houses. Discomfort and functional changes mainly of the vegetative system may also be induced by sensory factors such as bad odour. Since indoor air is a main and considerable source of the total human exposure to xenobiotic and anthropogenic molecules, it is important to reduce emissions of VOC into indoor air.

Key Words:

• VOC
• indoor air
• toxicity
• comfort
• risk assessment

Notes

Present address: Stadt Kloten, Environment and Health, CH‐8302 Kloten, Switzerland.